2109 County Road D East
Maplewood, MN 55109
651-771-0050
Expungements
What is an Expungement?
Expungement is the process of asking a judge to order the sealing of a court record of which you are a party, and ordering certain government agencies to return their records of the event (i.e. police arrest records and prosecutor complaints).

Why Request an Expungement?
Minnesota maintains an on-line database that lists all criminal cases that are filed with the district court.  This database is totally open to the public to access free of charge.  That means that even though you "won" your criminal case, anyone with basic Internet computer skills can still look you up on-line and view any criminal charges filed against you.  This may include potential employers, landlords, business partners and so on.    

Who May be granted an Expungement?
Generally, a court will grant an expungement when the outcome of the case is "in your favor".  A case may be disposed of in many ways, some of which do not result in a criminal conviction.  Examples include where the case is dismissed or where the judge orders a defendant to do certain tasks as a consequence of the crime but the judge does not issue a conviction.  The specific facts of each case must be looked at individual to ensure that it resulted in a favorable disposition thus making expungement possible.

How can you get your Criminal Record Expunged?
The expungement process involves the completion of a number of legal forms including a Petition, Affidavit and Order, as well as multiple letters to various government agencies giving them notice and the opportunity to object.  Additionally, you must attend a hearing at which time you, or your attorney, will explain to the judge why you need the expungement. 

Tuft & Arnold can assist you with your expungement paperwork and represent you at the hearing.  The fee for expungements is set at a very affordable flat rate.